‘Spiderman’ to attempt record climb today

By Peter TownsonStaff Reporter

‘Spiderman’ Alain Robert preparing to conquer the tallest building in Doha.

The French ‘Spiderman’ will attempt to break a world record for free climbing this afternoon as he ascends the Torch Doha Hotel tower without the use of a safety rope or harness.Alain Robert, who will turn 50 later this year, expressed his excitement ahead of the ascent, noting that the team from Guinness World Records will also be timing the climb which he must complete in under three hours.The climber, who has ascended over 120 buildings around the world during his career said that the record attempt should be something of a formality as he has completed much more difficult challenges in the past: “it is tricky, but Guinness are interested in this now, even though I have done this many times before.”“It should take maybe one hour and ten minutes – I cannot be completely sure as things are depending on the weather, if it’s windy or too hot,” he said adding “this one is a bit more than medium range – it’s about six or seven on a scale of one to ten.”“Plus there is also a kind of fear factor, because I will be using the mesh on the building and near the top it is a bit funny,” said Robert.“I am trying to avoid being afraid because this is not a good way – I am very sure that tomorrow I am going to be completely focussed on my target,” resolved the Frenchman, adding “it’s quite difficult, but I am not shaking – I just know that tomorrow is a big day.” The ‘Spiderman,’ who will turn 50 in August, has no plans to slow down, and intends to carry on climbing the world’s largest structures for the foreseeable future.“I have no idea when I will be too old to climb but at least at this very moment I feel in good health and  I am planning on doing it for at least another ten years,” he said.“I have fallen seven times in my life and I have been broken everywhere,” he said adding “but I have recovered my own way and continue doing what I love.”This resolve and commitment to his passion has led to ‘Spiderman’ becoming an inspirational speaker to organisations around the world, who respond to his ability to overcome mammoth tasks without employing backup tactics and his irrepressible desire to succeed.Robert has experienced numerous encounters with police services from countries all corners of the globe during his career, but he promised that he would never climb a building in either Qatar or the UAE without official approval following the warm reception he has received by the authorities in both countries. “Climbing illegally is also a big part of my life, but there are some countries where I have always been welcomed so when I am here I don’t really break the rules,” he explained.“It took a long time for me to get the approval to climb this building - I have been climbing here officially in the past, then I really wanted to climb this hotel, because it is one of the nicest hotels in the world,” he said, adding “I even prefer the Torch Hotel to the Burj Al Arab in Dubai – it is unique.”Robert hinted that he may return to climb again in Qatar, saying that he had identified another building which he would like to conquer.He added that he has been asked to climb in Paris, Croatia and Tel Aviv this year, promising to take on all three challenges.But for now he is focussed on completing this world record attempt in Doha at a building he finds unique and interesting, characteristics which could similarly be used to describe the man himself.“I love this building – its an amazing building and an amazing hotel,” he added.The climb will take place at 4pm today, and there is a section for spectators to gather and view the attempt.